How to be productive while working remotely

Written by ls2group

As COVID-19 continues to spread, more and more employers are having employees work from home. LS2group started having its employees work remotely last week. Since many of its employees hadn’t worked from home in the past, LS2group partner Jim Gwinner shared some pointers on how to be productive while working remotely.

Stick to your Routine

Sticking to your normal workweek routine is key when it comes to staying productive at home. Set your alarm for the same time each day, take a shower, get dressed, and make your coffee. Treating each day like you are going into the office will put your mind in “work mode”. It’s also important to dress for work just in case you have any impromptu video calls with clients. Also, try creating a plan for your day the night before or first thing in the morning. This plan will help you identify which tasks are the most vital.

Create a Dedicated Workspace

Working from home can be fun, but you might not be able to focus on your work from the couch or your bed. These places are already designated in your mind as relaxing areas so you’re less likely to focus on the task at hand. Creating a workspace with a door will also signal to your family or roommate that you do not want to be disturbed or you’re on a video conference.

Limit Distractions

Let’s face it, it’s pretty easy to get distracted when working at home, especially if you have kids. You might be tempted to turn on the television, scroll through your phone, or clean your house. Removing or limiting these distractions will help you stay focused. Try putting your phone on do not disturb so only certain people can reach you. Or make a rule to not turn on the TV until after work hours.

Stay Connected

During this time of social distancing, working from home can get lonely. The best way to cut down on the loneliness is to communicate with your coworkers and clients via video chat and to communicate more than usual. For many, this is the first time they are working remotely, so checking in on them to have a conversation or to ask if they need anything is always helpful. This can also help people who tend to get more distracted to stay on task.

While there is so much uncertainty and stress in the world right now, working from home does not need to be an added stressor. The tips above will help you and your team be productive and continue to deliver the best product to your clients.